Gumbo: A Night of blues, jazz and R & B

RICHMOND, VA. (WTVR): The 57th annual Festival of Arts Season is up and running at Dogwood Dell and the Ha’ Penny Stage featuring local and national artists. One of the highlight concerts for the season is Freedom Fest 2013, “Gumbo: A night of Blues, Jazz and Light R & B from Central Virginia’s Finest” a City of Richmond program commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Africans and highlighting the many accomplishments of African-Americans in today’s world.

“Gumbo” is the brain child of musician/vocalist Carlton Blount and Parks & Recs. Brian Little, it features Stu Gardner, Desiree Roots, James Gates, Alan Parker, Brandon Lane, Weldon Hill and many others, Wednesday, June 19 at 8pm on the Dell Stage. The concert is free and open to the public.

Other concerts lined up at Dogwood Dell include Gospel Fest with the Belle, Sunday, June 23, 5pm; Susan Greenbaum, June 28, 8pm, Plunky & Oneness, June 29, 8pm, and the annual July 4th Celebration with music starting at 5:45pm. All concerts and events are g=free and open to the public. For a complete list of performances visit www.richmondgov.com/parks, click on cultural Arts then on Dogwood Dell or call 804-646-DELL (3355). Photos by Debra Dilworth.

RVA Cares at Innsbrook After Hours, Innsbrook Foundation & the Community Concert to support Oklahoma Tornado Victims, Wednesday, June 19, concert until 9:30, $10 at the gate, www.innsbrookafterhours.com.